Online reporter

New Zealand-born Queensland man Robert Murray Wilkinson, who was killed in his homeland on New Year's Day. Photo: Supplied

An 18-year-old New Zealander has been charged with the New Year's Day murder of a 64-year-old Brisbane man.

Robert Murray Wilkinson, a Kiwi ex-pat, was holidaying in the seaside town of Waihi on New Zealand's north island when he was stabbed in the head and neck in the early hours of New Year's Day.

He died in hospital two days later.

New Zealand police arrested and charged a Waihi local with the murder on Tuesday afternoon.

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He is due to face the Hamilton District Court today.

Waikato Detective Inspector Chris Page said the arrest came as a relief for Mr Wilkinson's wife and two adult children, but he noted the investigation was ongoing and was now focused on the events which occurred on Citrus Avenue at Waihi Beach on New Year's Eve.

"We are pleased to have progressed the investigation to this stage. One of most significant things to result from this arrest so far was the opportunity to inform Mr Wilkinson's family that an arrest has been made," he said.

"The family have been very supportive of the investigation team and they expressed their gratitude for this latest development."

It is understood Mr Wilkinson, an avid fisherman, lived with his wife in the western Brisbane suburb of Indooroopilly.